Hamlet Is Upset For Two Reasons What Are They

Hamlet's Double Affliction: Exploring the Two Pillars of His Despair

Shakespeare's Hamlet is a masterpiece of human emotion, a complex tapestry woven with themes of revenge, betrayal, and the profound agony of grief. While the play's intricacies offer myriad interpretations, Hamlet's turmoil undeniably stems from two central sources: the murder of his father and his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle. These two events, deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing, form the bedrock of his melancholic state and drive the tragic action of the play. This essay will delve into these two pillars of Hamlet's despair, exploring their individual impacts and their synergistic effect in shaping his character and driving the narrative.

I. The Murder of His Father: A Wound to the Soul

The assassination of King Hamlet is the most immediate and visceral catalyst for Hamlet's emotional breakdown. It's not simply the loss of a father; it's the brutal, treacherous manner of his death that profoundly shocks and shatters Hamlet's world. The Ghost's revelation—a spectral visitation confirming the regicide and revealing the incestuous nature of Claudius's actions—inflicts a wound far deeper than physical death. This is not a noble death in battle, but a cowardly, premeditated murder committed by a close family member, shattering the very foundation of familial trust and security.

The Impact of Betrayal:

The betrayal runs far deeper than the simple act of murder. Hamlet's father was not merely killed; he was killed by someone Hamlet implicitly trusted – his uncle, the new King. This is a profound breach of trust, the violation of a sacred bond that leaves Hamlet reeling in disbelief and rage. The sheer magnitude of this betrayal contributes significantly to his overwhelming sense of despair and the paralyzing indecision that plagues him throughout the play.

The Question of Justice:

Hamlet's response isn't just emotional; it's deeply rooted in a sense of justice. He feels a moral imperative to avenge his father's death, a responsibility heightened by the ghostly command. This burden of revenge weighs heavily on his conscience, becoming a source of both torment and motivation. The weight of this responsibility, combined with the complex moral implications of regicide, contributes to his intellectual and emotional paralysis. He grapples with the ethical ramifications of taking a life, even in the pursuit of justice, reflecting the complexities of revenge and its consequences.

The Loss of Innocence:

The murder of his father represents the shattering of Hamlet's innocent worldview. He is thrust into a world of deception, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, a stark contrast to the idealized image of his father and the seemingly stable world he once knew. This loss of innocence fuels his cynicism and contributes to his pervasive sense of disillusionment with the world around him. His skepticism extends beyond the immediate family to encompass the entire court, fostering a deep sense of distrust and paranoia.

II. Gertrude's Hasty Marriage: A Violation of Natural Order

The second major source of Hamlet's anguish is his mother's swift and inappropriate marriage to Claudius. This act is not simply a personal betrayal; it represents a violation of natural order, a disruption of the moral and social fabric of the kingdom. The speed with which Gertrude marries Claudius, so soon after the death of her husband, suggests a lack of respect and a profound disregard for propriety and filial piety.

Incestuous Implications:

The marriage is particularly disturbing because it involves a brother marrying his deceased brother's wife. While the exact degree of Claudius's guilt in the eyes of Elizabethan audiences may be debated, the perception of incest is undeniable, and this violation of a taboo exacerbates the sense of moral corruption pervading the court. This perceived incest intensifies Hamlet's feelings of disgust and betrayal towards his mother, and further intensifies his feelings of disillusionment.

The Loss of Maternal Love:

Hamlet's relationship with his mother is central to his emotional distress. The image of his mother, grieving for his father, is replaced by the image of her embracing his murderer, a swift and unexpected turn that shatters his perception of maternal love and security. This loss is not only emotional; it undermines the fundamental bonds of family and affection, leaving him feeling deeply betrayed and alone.

Moral Decay and Hypocrisy:

Gertrude's actions are perceived as an example of the larger moral decay plaguing Denmark. Her hasty marriage, coupled with Claudius's regicide, reflects a pervasive hypocrisy and lack of moral integrity within the court. This sense of pervasive corruption fuels Hamlet's disillusionment and contributes to his sense of isolation. He sees himself as the only one who truly recognizes and suffers from the moral degradation around him.

The Symbolic Significance:

Gertrude's marriage is not merely a personal event; it carries profound symbolic weight. It represents a desecration of the natural order, a perversion of the relationship between mother and son, and a broader societal breakdown. This symbolic significance deepens Hamlet's sense of disgust and contributes to his overall sense of despair and alienation. The act symbolizes the pervasive corruption within the court and the violation of natural piety.

The Synergistic Effect: A Perfect Storm of Despair

The murder of his father and his mother's hasty marriage are not simply separate events; they are deeply intertwined, mutually reinforcing sources of Hamlet's suffering. The one exacerbates the other, creating a "perfect storm" of despair that overwhelms him. The betrayal inherent in his father's death is mirrored and compounded by his mother's quick marriage to his uncle, suggesting a pattern of deceit and a fundamental lack of integrity within his family.

A Shattered Worldview:

The combined impact of these two events shatters Hamlet's idealized worldview. His faith in family, in justice, and in the natural order is profoundly shaken, leading to his cynicism, introspection, and profound melancholy. He questions the very nature of reality, morality, and human relationships. His actions and inaction throughout the play are born from this profoundly shaken sense of understanding the world around him.

The Catalyst for Action (and Inaction):

While these events propel Hamlet toward action—the pursuit of revenge—they also paralyze him with indecision and doubt. The complexities of the situation, the moral ambiguities involved, and the profound emotional turmoil he experiences lead to his famous procrastination. He is torn between his desire for justice, his fear of consequences, and his overwhelming grief and sense of alienation.

The Path to Tragedy:

Ultimately, the combined impact of these two traumatic events propels Hamlet towards his tragic end. His inability to reconcile his grief, his sense of justice, and his moral struggles leads to a cycle of procrastination, deception, and ultimately, violence. His despair, born from the murder of his father and his mother's hasty marriage, ultimately consumes him, culminating in his demise and the tragic downfall of the entire royal family.

In conclusion, Hamlet's profound despair is rooted in the deeply intertwined events of his father's murder and his mother's hasty marriage. These events, viewed separately and together, reveal the complexity of his emotional state and contribute significantly to the play's enduring power and tragic resonance. They are not merely plot devices; they are the very foundation of his character, driving his actions, fueling his internal conflict, and ultimately shaping his tragic fate. Understanding these two pillars of his despair allows for a more nuanced and complete appreciation of Shakespeare's masterpiece.